A historic visit in every dimension A great testimony to the complete openness of democratic Albania and to the high regard in which it is held by Europe Yesterday Mr. Egon KLEPSH, President of the European Parliament, arrived in our country, making Albania the first of the countries of Eastern Europe and, at the same time, the last in his calendar. This was a choice that was not accidental and was meaningful at the same time. In short, it expresses the great and special esteem enjoyed by democratic Albania in Europe. The year 1992 and the first half of 1993 were a happy and prosperous period for the victory of democracy and of the freedom that had been lacking, which made possible a true emancipation of the Albanian people and their swift and certain final escape from the half-century-long red yoke. In Albania, the democratic world, first of all united Europe, invested not only money and resources to ease the difficult economic situation, but above all and mainly invested good will, hope and confidence that democracy and a market economy could and should also be built here, in this country of many sufferings and injustices. Albania is the only one among the former communist countries where, with unprecedented courage, not only was the party-state smashed by free vote, but its system was also decisively struck down. Being the country with the most brutal isolation from the world, but not born with democracy, Albania naturally had many difficulties and great challenges of its own. The democratic political class and its government over these 15 months set in motion energy and people, ideas and resources, to pull Albania out of the abyss into which the former communist regime had thrown it. Financial aid and international assistance were extremely important in easing the difficult economic situation, but the fundamental problem has been and remains the successful democratization of the country itself. The building of the rule of law and a market economy, respect for human rights and the holding of democratic elections are the key elements in the assessment of Albania. These days the Council of Europe is seriously considering Albania's membership in its ranks. This is, first of all, proof of genuine democratic progress and of a political and spiritual awakening of an entire society. Albanian democracy has won the trust of the civilized world. It is now our only future. Mr. KLEPSH represents it with dignity on behalf of united Europe and its values. His welcome in Albania is also a new encouragement for the work, sacrifices and hopes of Albanians for the European future of their country. This message is clear to every Albanian and to every political force that wants the good of this country. If today we have the honor of welcoming the President of the European Parliament, it is because Albania is changing rapidly, winning the respect it deserves and emerging from the dark periphery of its history. Mr. Klepsh's visit is further proof that this path is the right one and that Europe considers Albania part of itself. This is a moral and political victory for Albanian democracy.

Meeting of Mr. Eduard Selami, Minister of Defense, Sali Zhulali and the Minister of Health Trifon Shehu with residents of the village of Këçisht Zona TK RECEIVES A WARM WELCOME Yesterday's meetings continued with a meeting in Maqellarë, where Mr. Selami, after greeting those present, spoke about the changes made in Albania during these 15 months, as well as the difficulties our country still faces and the ways to overcome them. Mr. Selami said that the government is making efforts to improve the lives of residents and to advance democratic reforms. Speaking about the situation in the village, he emphasized that people's support for the changes is crucial. The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Defense Sali Zhulali and the Minister of Health Trifon Shehu. Residents raised various problems concerning their area and asked for more help with infrastructure, roads, water and health services. Government representatives promised that these concerns would be taken into account. (Continued on page 6)

RECEPTION at the headquarters of the Democratic Party At our headquarters, the president of the DP and the chairman of the parliamentary group of the Democratic Party received Mr. Egon Klepsh yesterday. The initial greetings were warm and friendly. During the conversation, high praise was given to the support that European institutions have provided to Albania, and confidence was expressed that relations would further strengthen. The political developments in the country, the reforms and Albania's European perspective were also discussed. Mr. Klepsh's visit to the DP headquarters was regarded as a special sign of appreciation for the role of the Democratic Party in the democratic processes. (Continued on page 8)

This distinguished personality and friend of Albania's visit was another victory for the new Albanian democracy. European.

publisher and editor of these works: - The Diary of Christ and the surgeon without a scalpel, Skënder Buçpapaj 1985 - The life of the adventurer Don Quixote/Along the trails/Dritëro Agolli 1984 - Theatre 1984 - Albanian Perspectives of European Union, 1986 - Africa and the European writer, 1986 - Cultural contradictions in Europe, 1989 - Russian romantic writers, European commentaries, 1989 - Bridge road of Europe unification, published in Atheneraeum 1990 - Wall newspaper/Guinness-book EUROPA, 1978 - Program for publication, published in Vojvodina, published in film - Political writers and poets of European level, published in film